The view that led to a soccer field confrontation

"The government has no place in education."
"They are not teaching the three Rs in public education, it's just social engineering."

These are a couple of phrases loudly spouted out at a YMCA town soccer field, boys soccer practice last week.  I merely asked why not "Town" high school? in a conversation about this woman's son, who is at a Catholic HS, and he wants to go to the public HS.

michele-bachmann-jumps-on-the-anti-education-bandwagon-claims-department-of-education-is-unconstitutional

I was silent as my mind reeled.  I couldn't fathom opening my mouth for fear of not being able to hold back the flood gates.  My husband however, after a couple of minutes of this continuing (in the presence of several other parents I know have kids in public schools), opened his mouth and said "How can you even say that?"  And the "discussion" continued on for about ten minutes.  My stomach now in a knot, hoping and giving "be careful" glances his way, waiting for a spot when I could join in with a moderating opinion.  Luckily it ended OK.  Awkward silence for the rest of the practice.  He didn't quite put himself in the mode needed for this "crucial conversation" involving an issue of high emotion and high stakes.  We did get out unharmed.  At least one parent now at my son's school knows we don't hang on the line of the far-right.  I went home literally sick to my stomach and again feeling utterly betrayed by a fellow parent of kids I care about.  And feeling insulted beyond words, for the work that I have given my best to and my husband does as well, in public service for Americans.